Support the Troops

‘Support the Troops’

Operation Iraqi Freedom: The Human Cost of Occupation

To date 4,114 American soldiers have lost their lives in a fight to free a country, 80,000 civilians have lost their lives.

‘Honor’ is a word and a concept very much abused these days. During the past week over 160 civilians were killed in Iraq, 15 of them by US forces. Among those killed were 21 children –killed by roadside bombs, mortars, gunfire… by men who would and do call themselves ‘men of honor.’ Iraqis, Americans, British, Middle Eastern… people of various nationalities and faiths, people who think themselves honorable and commit atrocities at the altar of honor.

The truth is there is nothing honorable about having the blood of innocents on your hands. Whoever you are. Whether you are a religious fanatic, a proud nationalist, a dutiful soldier, a devout Christian/Muslim or a suicide bomber. There is neither bravery nor honor in the killing of the weak, of the poor and the defenseless. It is only easy. (Lily Hamourtziadou)